Guide Blind And Partially Sighted People Through Environments Training

Objectives:
• Define blindness and partial sight according to SAQA standards
• Identify common causes and types of visual impairments
• Recognise the impact of visual impairment on daily life
• Describe the legal and ethical framework for guiding visually impaired people

Topics:
• Medical vs functional definitions of blindness and partial sight
• Causes: congenital, acquired, age-related
• Degrees of vision loss and their practical implications
• The role of the guide: responsibilities and boundaries
• Ethical considerations: dignity, independence, consent

Objectives:
• Demonstrate effective verbal communication techniques
• Apply active listening and questioning skills
• Establish trust and rapport with visually impaired individuals
• Use appropriate language and terminology

Topics:
• Verbal cues: clear, descriptive instructions
• Non-verbal communication adapted for visual impairment
• Active listening and confirming understanding
• Building rapport: respect, patience, empathy
• Avoiding assumptions: asking before acting

Objectives:
• Demonstrate the sighted guide technique correctly
• Guide through doorways, narrow spaces, and seating
• Manage stairs and curbs safely
• Communicate directional information effectively

Topics:
• The standard sighted guide position: grip, distance, pace
• Negotiating doorways: leading with the body
• Narrow passages: guide behind
• Stairs: verbal cues for up/down, handrail use
• Seating: guiding to a chair

Objectives:
• Guide through complex indoor environments
• Handle obstacles and hazards
• Assist with public transport boarding
• Adapt techniques for different age groups

Topics:
• Indoor navigation: corridors, lifts, revolving doors
• Obstacles: low-hanging objects, uneven surfaces
• Public transport: bus, taxi, train boarding
• Adaptations for children, elderly, and people with additional disabilities

Objectives:
• Navigate streets, crossings, and pedestrian areas
• Manage traffic and environmental sounds
• Use tactile paving and auditory signals
• Guide in crowded areas safely

Topics:
• Street crossings: zebra, traffic lights, roundabouts
• Tactile paving: blister, corduroy, warning strips
• Auditory signals: pedestrian lights, vehicle sounds
• Crowded spaces: shopping centres, markets
• Environmental hazards: construction, poles, bins

Objectives:
• Assist with eating, pouring, and table etiquette
• Guide in retail and service environments
• Support with personal care tasks
• Maintain independence and dignity

Topics:
• Dining: plate orientation, pouring liquids, cutting food
• Retail: describing products, handling money
• Service counters: ordering, queuing
• Personal care: dressing, grooming (if required)
• Preserving independence: letting the person do what they can

Objectives:
• Explain orientation and mobility concepts
• Use environmental cues for orientation
• Support use of mobility aids (white cane, guide dog)
• Plan routes with the visually impaired person

Topics:
• Orientation: cardinal directions, landmarks, sun position
• Mobility aids: long cane, guide dog etiquette
• Route planning: familiarisation, verbal mapping
• Mental mapping and spatial awareness
• Safety: knowing when to intervene

Objectives:
• Identify assistive technologies for daily living
• Use smartphone accessibility features
• Support use of GPS and navigation apps
• Apply technology in guiding contexts

Topics:
• Screen readers: VoiceOver, TalkBack
• Magnification and contrast settings
• Navigation apps: Seeing AI, Google Maps
• Talking devices: watches, thermometers
• Integrating technology with guiding

Objectives:
• Recognise and respond to emergencies
• Guide safely during evacuations
• Administer basic first aid
• Communicate with emergency services

Topics:
• Fire, earthquake, and medical emergencies
• Evacuation procedures: verbal instructions, physical guidance
• First aid basics: cuts, falls, shock
• Communicating with emergency personnel
• Post-emergency support and reassurance

Objectives:
• Understand relevant South African legislation
• Apply ethical principles in guiding
• Promote inclusion and accessibility
• Address stigma and misconceptions

Topics:
• SA legislation: The Constitution, Promotion of Equality Act
• Disability rights and advocacy
• Ethical dilemmas: consent, privacy, independence
• Social inclusion: attitudes, language, stereotypes
• Accessibility standards: SANS 10400

Objectives:
• Guide in unfamiliar or challenging environments
• Handle multiple guides or group situations
• Assist with travel and accommodation
• Manage communication breakdowns

Topics:
• Unfamiliar environments: airports, hospitals, museums
• Group guiding: tandem, chain techniques
• Travel: hotel rooms, unfamiliar bathrooms
• Communication breakdowns: reorientation strategies
• Dealing with unexpected obstacles

Objectives:
• Demonstrate comprehensive guiding skills in a real-world scenario
• Reflect on personal learning and areas for improvement
• Complete practical and theoretical assessments
• Develop a personal action plan for continued learning

Topics:
• Simulated guided walk: indoor and outdoor
• Assessment: practical demonstration, oral questioning
• Self-evaluation and peer feedback
• Action plan: resources, networks, further training
• Certification requirements and next steps